Take a little time out and learn a simple pleasure
The Dell is a beautiful, creative and versatile space to host a retreat or event of any kind. Right in the heart of the Cairngorms and on the edge of the Abernethy Forest the Dell is a peaceful place with great access to real wilderness.
Accommodation is versatile, owner Polly can provide creative and nourishing soul-food and a studio space can either be set in the woodland Tipi or first floor dual aspect room in the Lodge with open fire and views to the mountains.
We make sure your guests have the environment that allows them to relax and gain the most from the retreat. The kettle is always on, the fire stoked, candles lit and a warm welcome to the Dell.
View Workshops by Season
Summer 2020
Wildlife Safari - Instinct Guides
3 Jul - 31 Oct
Anytime
POA
The Dell is perfectly placed for wildlife watching and we're delighted to be linked up with the team at Instinct Guides. Ruari's roots run deep in this area and he is a wealth of local insights and secret locations. If it's wildlife you want to see, Instinct will make it happen! A perfect day trip from the Dell, customise your own adventure. From lochs and rivers, through the Scottish pine forest, over the moor and into the mountains. All wildlife day trips include your personal guide and unique access to some of the highlands top locations, all from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicles. Enjoy lunch in our lunch hut whilst taking in spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains. Regularly seeing Golden Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Crested Tits, Black Grouse, Red Grouse and Red Deer to name a few.
Guided Nature Walk - Instinct Guides
3 Jul - 31 Oct
Anytime
POA
The Dell is perfectly placed for wildlife watching and we're delighted to be linked up with the team at Instinct Guides. Ruari's roots run deep in this area and he is a wealth of local insights and secret locations. With endless stunning trails leaving directly from the Dell, what better a pace to view Scotland’s top wildlife than on foot? Taking around three hours, this Wildlife walk allows you to enjoy all the fantastic sights and sounds of nature up close.
Taste of the Wild - Instinct Guides
3 Jul - 31 Oct
Anytime
POA
Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the outdoors. Instinct's adventure days are based around their passion for the outdoors, nature, wilderness skills and of course, food!
The Dell makes for the perfect base to learn wilderness skills that will last you a lifetime. Instinct's adventure days are action packed, from learning how to light fire using traditional methods and cooking venison on the open fire to mastering tomahawk throwing, they have something for everyone. Days are tailored for all abilities and perfectly suited for groups, families or corporate days. Sessions are customised to your groups needs so if you have something in mind, let them know.
Tunesmithery - A creative folk tune writing retreat
25 - 30 Aug
£900
*POSTPONED - New date TBC*
Two of Scotland’s foremost traditional musicians Hamish Napier and Mike Vass invite aspiring tune-smiths to join them on a week long immersive composition retreat.The retreat is a unique opportunity to learn from these renowned musicians – to gain an insight into their approach, find out what drives them, and discover a whole new set of skills to take your own creativity to new heights.
Highland Adventure Trail running & Yoga Retreat
28 - 31 Aug
£500-£650
We're excited to welcome back Heather Thomson bringing this perfectly located mix of yoga and trail running in the forests surrounding the Dell.
The yoga is open to all levels and focusing on conditioning, toning and strengthening.
The guided trail runs through the Cairngorms foothills with Trail Running Scotland will include navigation skills, barefoot running, posture & technique guidance and injury prevention
Also meditation & guided relaxations to aide healing and that ‘zen’ feeling post-run together with confidence coaching.
Autumn 2020
Wildlife Safari - Instinct Guides
3 Jul - 31 Oct
Anytime
POA
The Dell is perfectly placed for wildlife watching and we're delighted to be linked up with the team at Instinct Guides. Ruari's roots run deep in this area and he is a wealth of local insights and secret locations. If it's wildlife you want to see, Instinct will make it happen! A perfect day trip from the Dell, customise your own adventure. From lochs and rivers, through the Scottish pine forest, over the moor and into the mountains. All wildlife day trips include your personal guide and unique access to some of the highlands top locations, all from the comfort of our 4x4 vehicles. Enjoy lunch in our lunch hut whilst taking in spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains. Regularly seeing Golden Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Crested Tits, Black Grouse, Red Grouse and Red Deer to name a few.
Guided Nature Walk - Instinct Guides
3 Jul - 31 Oct
Anytime
POA
The Dell is perfectly placed for wildlife watching and we're delighted to be linked up with the team at Instinct Guides. Ruari's roots run deep in this area and he is a wealth of local insights and secret locations. With endless stunning trails leaving directly from the Dell, what better a pace to view Scotland’s top wildlife than on foot? Taking around three hours, this Wildlife walk allows you to enjoy all the fantastic sights and sounds of nature up close.
Taste of the Wild - Instinct Guides
3 Jul - 31 Oct
Anytime
POA
Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the outdoors. Instinct's adventure days are based around their passion for the outdoors, nature, wilderness skills and of course, food!
The Dell makes for the perfect base to learn wilderness skills that will last you a lifetime. Instinct's adventure days are action packed, from learning how to light fire using traditional methods and cooking venison on the open fire to mastering tomahawk throwing, they have something for everyone. Days are tailored for all abilities and perfectly suited for groups, families or corporate days. Sessions are customised to your groups needs so if you have something in mind, let them know.
Weaving and Fibre Sculpture Masterclass
19 - 25 Sep
*Postponed - New date TBC*
Maryanne Moodie will be teaching a 3 day in-depth weaving + fibre sculpture workshop sharing her design process, colour theory, and technical approaches to modern small loom weaving. You will learn while exploring with different fibres and yarns and build multiple pieces to take home.
We will also visit a local wool mill, learning the processes of wool production and incorporating locally produced yarn into your work as well as try your hand at natural wool dyeing with a local artisan. Don’t miss this incredible textile adventure through the Scottish Highlands!
Wilderness Fit Retreat
28 Sep - 1 Oct
£480
Yaz and Eilidh are both L3 qualified PT's and have set up ‘Wilderness Fit’ with an aim to inspire and motivate woman to get outside and move through the stunning Scottish Landscape. We try and base our workouts around our natural environment - this involves trail running, cold water swimming, obstacle courses using the land, beach circuits and walking. On our retreats we will also be offering morning or evening yoga sessions with a qualified yoga instructor. There will be plenty time to relax, chat and enjoy the amazing food on offer too, we are not providing a quick fix fitness retreat but hopefully we inspire you to find more time to be outside in your day and try new activities that may be outside your comfort zone. It's not all about the gym!
Yoga, meditation & mindful movement retreat
16 - 19 Oct
£600 / £750
Take a temporary break from the daily routine and allow yourself to be you. In 4 days you will
boost your energy, find your balance, meet amazing people and enjoy some well deserved “me“
time. Explore the breathtaking surroundings of the Cairngorms National Park and discover
beautiful Scottish Nature.
The purpose of the retreat is to allow yourself to deepen your yoga practice without the
distractions of everyday life. Powerful, playful and heartfelt classes.
A combination of creative sequencing, playfulness, Pranayama, mindfulness meditation and a
dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice.
Highland Adventure Trail running & Yoga Retreat
30 Oct - 2 Nov
£500-£650
The second instalment of Heather Thomson's perfect mix of yoga and trail running in the forests surrounding the Dell.
The yoga is open to all levels and focusing on conditioning, toning and strengthening.
The guided trail runs through the Cairngorms foothills with Trail Running Scotland will include navigation skills, barefoot running, posture & technique guidance and injury prevention
Also meditation & guided relaxations to aide healing and that ‘zen’ feeling post-run together with confidence coaching.
Winter 2020
Sorry. There are no workshops scheduled at this point in the year.
Spring 2021
Sorry. There are no workshops scheduled at this point in the year.
Treat someone to an experience at the Dell
If you have stayed at the Dell or simply like the look of what we do here you can now pass it on by way of a voucher.
Gift Vouchers
Whether it be a romantic break, a weekend yoga retreat, a fire pit session or a bottle of wine on arrival, allow us to look after this for you.
Keep in touch?
We'll let you know when we add new workshops and dates to the calendar.